Habitat for Humanity of Central Iowa is a fiscally sound, non-profit organization made up of Individuals and groups from area faith communities, businesses and service groups that donate their time, talent and treasure to help build for God's people in need. At the end of 2007, HFHCI has completed and sold 32 homes and will increase production by building and remodeling houses in Hamilton, Hardin and Story county this year. Habitat for Humanity of Central Iowa tithes 10% of our undesignated donations to Habitat for Humanity El Salvador.
Habitat's approach to affordable housing also improves neighborhoods and communities. Habitat for Humanity's program strengthens community spirit, increases the tax base, and builds better citizens through the cooperative efforts involved in Habitat construction.
Habitat for Humanity is not a charity or a give-away program. Partner family homebuyers make a 2% down payment and monthly no-interest no-profit mortgage payments to Habitat. They also invest up to 450 hours of their own labor into building their own houses, the houses of others, and attending homeowner education courses. As Habitat homeowners pay their mortgages, the money is used to help build houses with other partner families. HFHCI chooses partner families based on their need for adequate housing, ability to pay, and willingness to partner.
The typical Habitat house has 1,050 square feet of living area plus an unfinished basement. Most houses have three bedrooms. They do not have garages, air conditioning, dishwashers, or other "extras" unless a partnership with another organization requires them. Habitat houses are not extravagant by any standard; however, any newly built house is going to be a dramatic change for a family that has been living with a housing problem. Habitat's philosophy is to build simple, decent homes.
Habitat for Humanity International was started in Americus, Georgia in 1976. Founders Millard and Linda Fuller had a vision of a world without shacks or slums, a world where everyone has a decent place to call home. Habitat is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry dedicated to eliminating poverty housing and making decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. Habitat brings families in need together with volunteers and resources to build simple, decent houses all over the world.
Habitat for Humanity of Central Iowa, Inc. initially began as Story County Habitat for Humanity, Inc. in the late 1980's but for a variety of reasons, did not accomplish the extensive affiliation process until 1995. In 2004 Story County Habitat for Humanity changed its name to include Hamilton and Hardin counties in its geographic service area.